Nelson Russell Dew

Nelson Russell Dew

September 6, 1931 – July 7, 2023

Nelson was born the fourth child into a family which eventually numbered six. Besides his parents of Robert and Dottie Miller Dew, he was preceded in death by Harold, Raymond and Gene. He is survived by two sisters, Betty Mallamas and Shirley Dew and many loving nephews and nieces.

Nelson is also survived by his bride of 47 years, Jessie Davis Dew. He is loved by a sister-in-law, Helen Jackson and several nieces and nephews from his wife’s family.

Nelson was always interested in aviation and after graduating from WWHS in 1950 he joined the Air Force and spent 18 interesting months in Alaska. During his high school years he was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol. He was also a ham radio operator. On the GI Bill, he graduated from the then RCA Institute in New York. Upon graduation he was recruited by the Department of Defense and spent 32 years working out of Ft. Meade, Md. He earned many certificates of honor for his years spent there and traveled extensively.

Upon his retirement and return to West Virginia he and a Maryland friend developed devices for the blind/deaf population and received two patents for a second company. Upon that retirement his artistic talent blossomed and he created many beautiful stained glass pieces and gorgeous bowls, vases and other pieces when he joined the WV Wood Turners Organization.

In his “spare time” he was an avid reader, especially fond of WWII history and scientific journals. He never found time to be bored.

He left us behind on July 7, 2023. His wife and other family members wish to thank a beloved friend who often called the Dews “Dad” and “Mom, Grim Whitt, Jr., and the wonderful people at Bowers Hospice House.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bill Sweeney officiating. A private family committal will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until service time on Tuesday.

Donations in Nelson’s memory may be made to Hospice of Southern WV, PO Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802; the future Delaney Wykle AWC (Animal Wellness Center, 223 Sailboat Lane, Ghent, WV  25843 or to his church family at Camp Creek Community Church, 15371 Beckley Road, Camp Creek, WV  25820.

Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home.